Sprayable beautifying composition

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a method and apparatus for spraying makeup that masks imperfections in the skin including, but not limited to, freckles, tattoos, birthmarks, scars and post-laser surgery discoloration. The apparatus of the present invention is a hand-held sprayable cosmetic container containing a cosmetic composition that may be a foundation, a shimmer, a bronzer, a glitter, a self-tanning composition, a moisturizer, a toner, a lip color, an eyebrow color, a cheek color and/or an eye color. The apparatus may also be designed to deliver drugs (both prescription and over the counter medicines), deliver vitamins or other skin care compositions, to protect the skin from the sun, treat the skin after exposure to the sun, and/or provide an aromatherapy treatment.

CONTINUITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/861,226, filed on May 18, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,541, entitled“Sprayable Beautifying Composition,” specification of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the application of beautifying products, andmore particularly to the spray application of specific products to aperson's skin to conceal imperfections and accentuate natural features.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Millions of people apply makeup to their skin and face daily. Thismakeup may be applied to cover defects in the skin, to concealvariations in color, to hide scars or blemishes, or to accent certain ofthe wearer's features. This process of concealing imperfections andaccentuating wearers' features serves to increase wearers'self-confidence, thereby facilitating social interactions and increasingtheir quality of life.

Application of makeup is typically a multi-step process. The wearer mayfirst apply a foundation primer to smooth out irregularities in the skinto provide a more even or poreless look. The wearer then appliesfoundation to provide an even skin color. This may then be followed bylighter “concealers” that are typically used to cover darker blemishes,pimples, freckles, scars and the dark circles that appear around theeyes.

Once the wearer has applied a sufficient amount of such foundational orconcealing makeup, he or she may then choose to apply additional makeup.Such makeup may include eye shadow, blush, eyeliner and/or mascara. Eyeshadow is typically applied to the eyelid and the area between the eyeand the eyebrow. Blush is typically applied to the face in the cheekbonearea. Such eye shadows and blush are available in a wide variety ofcolors. The user selects the colors based on personal preference and a“look” which is sought to be achieved. The user may also apply lipliner, and lipstick in a variety of colors.

Once the blush has been applied to the selected areas, powder may beapplied in the same areas in which makeup was applied to set the makeupand to prevent it from smearing and to provide a longer wear.

Each of the various forms of makeup is applied with specialized tools.For example, it is common to apply the makeup by hand, from tubes, withbrushes, sponges, or with cosmetic pencils. However, the application ofthe makeup by hand leads to human error. For example, if one appliedfoundation with a sponge, they would have to be careful to ensure thatthe foundation was evenly applied, and appropriately blended in with thesurrounding skin. They would also have to ensure that no streaking orstroke marks showed. Such marks are readily formed as the composition isspread across the skin. Additional care must also be taken if there areany significant irregularities in the skin. The same issues also arisewith eye shadow, or with the use of blended colors to achieve a certaincolor or look.

In order to achieve a color or a look that will last all day, the wearertypically is forced to apply more makeup than is desired in the morning.This allows a portion of the makeup to wear off throughout the day,without forcing the user to reapply the products. If makeup had a longerwearing-life, then the user would be able to apply a smaller amount andstill have the effects of makeup later in the day. That is, if themakeup did not wear off, the user would only have to apply that amountof makeup that is necessary to achieve a certain look. Over-application,which is necessary to have the appearance of wearing makeup throughoutthe entire day without reapplication, would be unnecessary.

A common problem with many types of makeup is that it is detrimental tothe skin. Many types of makeup have a tendency to clog the skin's pores,and facilitate the formation of pimples. Additionally components of themakeup, as well as the makeup removers that are necessary with manynon-water-based cosmetics, tend to remove the skin's naturalmoisturizers and dry the skin.

Another problem with traditional makeup is that it is not suitable forthose who have recently undergone cosmetic surgery. First, foundationdoes not adhere to skin that has been recently exposed to a laserprocedure. This makes it very difficult to apply and allows thefoundation to wear/brush off too easily. Since the foundation does notadhere to the skin, it separates during application. That is, it willnot form a continuous coating over the skin. The resulting look afterapplication is very patchy. Additionally, the pulling and/or tugging onthe skin that is associated with attempts to apply makeup smoothly isdetrimental to healing or damaged skin. Lastly, common ingredients foundin foundations counteract the long-term results of the surgicalprocedure by drying the skin and causing new wrinkles. This problem incompounded by the fact that most consumers apply make-up productsincorrectly, thereby causing premature aging of the skin.

It is known in the art to apply airbrush makeup. See for example U.S.Pat. No. 4,742,963, entitled Aerosol Airbrush, and U.S. Pat. No.4,309,119, entitled Applicator Device for Cosmetic Preparations.However, such devices are generally only suitable for sprayingwater-soluble compounds. Such compounds are not water resistant, andtend to rub or wear off easily. Additionally, the complexity of thesedevices leads to a corresponding high cost for the devices.

Personal makeup that may be applied by the user evenly, quickly andaccurately is desired. A personal, sprayable applicator capable ofaccomplish the above would significantly facilitate the application ofmakeup. It would also allow those who have recently undergone cosmeticsurgery to cover up the redness and scars that are associate withcosmetic surgery through even application of a light coating. It wouldalso reduce the need to over-apply makeup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section of a sprayable applicator accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 provides an illustration of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 provides a chart detailing ranges of components of a compositionthat is part of one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 provides a chart detailing components of a composition that ispart of one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is a method and apparatus for spraying makeup thatmasks imperfections in the skin inlcuding, but not limited to, freckles,tattoos, birthmarks, scars and post-laser surgery discoloration. Theapparatus of the present invention allows for the easy application ofmakeup that does not require blending, stretching of the kin, or pullingor tugging at the skin. This results in less irritation to the skin. Theuniform distribution of the makeup of the present invention minimizesthe amount of makeup applied, yet maximized the benefits which may beachieved from such application. The apparatus of the present inventionis a hand-held sprayable cosmetic container containing a cosmeticcomposition. Such cosmetic may be designed to be a foundation, ashimmer, a bronzer, a glitter, a self-tanning composition, amoisturizer, a toner, a lip color, an eyebrow color, a cheek colorand/or an eye color. The cosmetic may also be designed to deliver drugs(both prescription and over the counter medicines), deliver vitamins orother skin care compositions, to protect the skin from the sun, treatthe skin after exposure to the sun, and/or provide an aromatherapytreatment. Drugs that may be delivered to the skin in this manner mayinclude, but are not limited to, acne medicine and alpha hydroxy acids.

The composition included within the sprayable container according to oneembodiment of the present invention provides numerous beneficialeffects. It moisturizes and conditions the skin, yet provides long wearand coverage. Once dry, the composition of the present invention willnot smudge or rub off onto clothing. However, the composition is readilyremoveable with soap and water. Additionally, the composition may bedesigned to provide SPF protection from the sun's harmful rays.

The sprayable aspect of the present invention results in the applicationof makeup in fewer steps and accessories associated with theapplication. Since the degree of coverage may be varied by altering thelength of spray time or number of spray strokes, there is no need for aprimer or base coat. For a typical surface area, the spray timegenerally varies between about one second (for minimal coverage) and 10seconds (for heavy coverage).

The method of the present invention produces a finish that easily blendswith both the surrounding skin and with other makeup that was previouslyapplied. Foundations must be carefully spread with a sponge to ensureeven coverage that blends in with the surrounding skin. Blush mustapplied with a brush or other utensil and carefully blended to ensurethat it provides the proper accent, without being obvious. In contrast,the sprayable composition of the present invention “feathers.” That is,it naturally tapers during application towards the periphery of the areasprayed. The highest concentration of the composition may be foundtowards the center of the area sprayed. This concentration is subtly,but uniformly, reduced towards the periphery of the coverage. Thisfeathering allows the composition to blend easily with surroundingsurfaces. As such if one seeks to cover a scar, for example a scar onthe underside of the forearm, it will not be possible to differentiatebetween the composition which is covering the scarred area and thesurrounding undamaged tissue that is not covered with the composition.

The present invention is particularly useful for those who haveseriously damaged their skin through accidents or surgical proceduressuch as cosmetic surgery. Since the present invention applies aquick-dry composition (the composition generally dries within 1–10seconds, depending on the amount of the application to a particulararea), it does not dry the skin like powdered makeup. It is especiallyimportant not to dry skin that has been recently damaged or exposed tolaser or other surgical procedures. The fluid characteristic of thepresent invention also avoids the caked-on or “old” look that isassociated with powdered makeup.

The makeup of the present invention provides a consistent coating overthe skin area sprayed. This serves to conceal discoloration orimperfections in the skin, for example the discoloration of the skin(primarily redness) that is associated with laser surgery and skindamage. The spraying action allows the user to apply the makeup withoutbrushing or rubbing the delicate and damaged skin. This is preferable tothe application of foundations that are known in the art, since suchfoundations do not adhere to skin that has been recently exposed to alaser procedure. Application of such foundations to damaged or irritatedskin involves a significant amount of effort and touching/brushing ofthe delicate skin. Even after this effort, the user typically ends upwith a visibly patchy base.

Another benefit provided by the present invention to those users havingskin damages and irritation, particularly that associated with lasersurgery, is that the present invention does not have many of the dryingagents that are found in the foundations and makeup known in the art,particularly those used to cover the signs of laser surgery. Such agentsinclude high concentrations of talc and/or alcohol. For example, REVLONCOLORSTAY (Revlon Consumer Products Corporation, New York, N.Y.) makeup,which is designed to be water-resistant and wear-resistant has a veryhigh alcohol content. Drying agents such as alcohol counteract thelong-term results of the surgical procedures by drying the skin andcausing new wrinkles. They also serve to irritate damaged skin.

It is known in the art to use cosmetic compositions such as DERMABLENDELITE (Flori Roberts, Inc., Chicago, Ill.) on damaged skin orlaser-treated skin to conceal discoloration and scars. Such products arealso used by those in the film industry. While this product will concealthe scarring, redness, or other damage, it is very thick and does notprovide a subtle look. It is more aptly suited for its traditional usein film or television. However, with the advent of digital film and itsharpness and detail, this product will no longer be as suited for suchuse. The digital film will reveal the caked-on, aged look thattraditional films did not.

A product, such as the instant invention, that provides a consistent,natural look that suitably conceals the underlying imperfections ordamage would be a great improvement over DERMABLEND—both in the filmindustry and on damaged skin. It greatly reduces, and in some casescompletely conceals, the appearance of wrinkles, redness, scars andimperfections in the skin. This provides a very finished look,regardless of whether it is shown on digital film, or viewed in person.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section of a sprayable applicator accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. While FIG. 1 is provided asan illustration of a sprayable applicator, it should be understood byone skilled in the art that many different applicators, and nozzles, mayachieve the benefits and purposes of the present invention.

As may be see in FIG. 1, a cosmetic composition 10 and propellant 11 arecontained within the body of a pressurized canister 12. While thepropellant as illustrated is located above the composition, it should beunderstood by one skilled in the art that the propellant may bepartially liquid and partially gaseous. Both the liquid propellant andthe gaseous propellant may mix, in varying proportions, with thecomposition. The propellant may be any propellant that is known in theart. By way of example, and not limitation, the propellant may becompressed air or a volatile organic compound such as isobutane.

The canister 12 is equipped with a bushing and an actuator 14 having anopening 15 through which the cosmetic composition 10 and propellant 11may be dispensed. The cosmetic composition 10 is dispensed throughnozzle 15 when a user depresses the actuator 14. A cap 16, shownseparately from the apparatus for clarification purposes, may beassociated with the container to protect the actuator and valve assemblyand to prevent accidental dispensing of the composition. The cap 16should be designed so at to fit securely onto canister 12. Such a cap 16may be particularly useful, for example, if the present invention isstored or carried by the user in a bag or purse.

In one embodiment of the present invention (shown), the canister 12 isequipped with a gasket 19, a dip tube 18 and a spring 17. As theactuator 14 is activated, pressure is exerted on the spring 17, therebycausing the gasket 19 to flex. This forces the composition 10 andpropellant 11 to enter the valve stem orifice 20 and to be expelledthrough the nozzle 15. The dip tube 18 serves to ensure that bothcomposition and propellant are expelled during this operation.

It should be understood by one skilled in the art that the spring 17 maynot be necessary if certain portions of the mechanism of the apparatusare made of rubber or other flexible material. The gasket 19 similarlymay be replaced with an orifice that may be controllably opened andclosed by the actuator 14.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the canister 12 is sized sothat it may be easily held in a user's hand and sprayed. Specifically,the canister may be between 2 and 12 inches in length. Preferably, thecanister is between 4 and 10 inches in length. Most preferably, thecanister is between 5 and 8 inches in length. The canister may range indiameter from 0.5 inches to 6 inches. Most preferably, the canister isbetween 1 inch and 3 inches in diameter.

The spray pattern of the present invention may be varied depending onthe amount of surface area to be covered may be varied by changing thesize of the nozzle 15. However, the texture of the spray should notvary. That is, regardless of the area being sprayed, the spray shouldalways resemble a directed mist. The spray pattern may be designed tocover an area having a ½-inch to 8-inch diameter, with a 2 to 5-inchdiameter being preferred.

In order to protect users who apply the sprayable makeup of the presentinvention to the face and eye area, the present invention may includegoggles. This allows the user to spray the present invention withoutfear of contacting the present invention with the eyes. Users wearinggoggles will also be less inclined to squint or otherwise wrinkle theskin during application. Such wrinkling or creasing of the skin may leadto uneven application of the makeup of the present invention.

Such goggles are preferably primarily clear and allow for a certainamount of peripheral vision so that the user has full use of his/hereyes during use of the invention. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the goggles are lightweight and crack-resistant. For example,and not by way of limitation, the goggles may be glass, plastic, orlucite. The goggles may also be worn by users wishing to take additionalsafety precautions when they apply embodiments of the present inventionto other body parts.

FIG. 2 provides an illustration of one embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 2, goggles 20 or similar eye coverings maybe included as part of the present invention. The goggles 20 may be wornby the user 21 during application of the present invention to the faceor eye area 22 to protect the eyes. If the user wishes to apply themethod of the present invention to the eye area 22, she may briefly liftor remove the goggles to spray the eye area 22 while keeping her eyesclosed.

FIG. 3 provides a chart detailing components of a composition that ispart of one embodiment of the present invention. This composition iswater-resistant and has a long wearing life. Water will not effect thecomposition's placement on the skin unless soap is also used.Alternatively, other compounds that are specifically designed to removemakeup may be used to remove the composition that is part of the presentinvention.

As may be seen in FIG. 3, the composition may include: water; anelectrolyte; a cyclomethicone and dimethicone copolyol compound; apolyglyceryl-4 oleate and peg-8 propylene glycol cocoate compound; aquatemium-18 hectorite, cyclomethicone, and propylene carbonatecompound; a micronized titanium dioxide-containing compound; syntheticwax; cyclomethicone; metal oxides, preservatives and various botanicals.The composition may also optionally include panthenol, di propyleneglycol, tocopheryl acetate, retinyl palmitate, talc and/or silicasilylate. As noted above, talc may be detrimental to damaged, sensitive,dry or laser-treated skin. As such, its inclusion should be carefullymonitored depending on the condition of the skin of the user.

The various components of the composition serve various purposes.Panthenol is a skin conditioner and moisturizer. Di propylene glycol isa humectent. The tocopheryl acetate and retinyl palmitate, vitamins Eand A, are anti-oxidants and moisturizers. The cyclomethicone anddimethicone copolyol compound and polyglyceryl-4 oleate and peg-8propylene glycol cocoate compound serve as emulsifiers. Thequaternium-18 hectorite, cyclomethicone and propylene carbonate compoundand the silica silylate are suspending agents. The micronized titaniumdioxide-containing compound may be any as is known in the art including,but not limited to: a C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate and titanium dioxidecompound or composition; a cyclomethicone and micronized titaniumdioxide compound or composition; a water and micronized titanium dioxidecompound or composition; a ethyl hexyl palmitate and micronized titaniumdioxide compound or composition; a caprilic/capric triglyceride andmineral oil and micronized titanium dioxide compound or composition;and/or a caprilic/capric triglyceride and micronized titanium dioxidecompound or composition. The titanium dioxide percent composition inC1215 alkyl benzoate and titanium dioxide compound is between 2 and 3percent by weight, typically approximately 2.3%.

The electrolyte serves to enhance shelf life stability and enhance thecomposition's ability to withstand freeze-thaw cycling. Any suitableelectrolyte as is known in the art may be used including, but notlimited to, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, magnesium sulfate, sodiumborate or aluminum chlorohydrate. The metal oxides may be any colorantthat is known in the art including, but not limited to, titanium dioxideand iron oxides. Talc is used as a filler, and may be used to providethe makeup with a desirable feel. “Botanicals” include, but are notlimited to, aloe and chamomile extracts.

FIG. 4 provides a formula for preparing the composition according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

This composition provides the disclosed benefits, and more, by coatingthe skin to provide a poreless appearance. This is accomplished throughthe creation of a thin and extremely uniform film across the surface ofthe skin. The film in generated in large part by a synergistic effectthat is seen between the synthetic wax and the micronized titaniumdioxide. The synthetic wax may be added to the composition in dry orliquid form. It is water-resistant and assists in the drying of thesolvent.

Titanium dioxide is a white opaque pigment that provides coverage andcolor to the composition. The typical particle size of the titaniumdioxide, which has a platelet shape, is typically larger than onemicron, and usually in the range of 5–15 microns. Micronized titaniumdioxide, in contrast, has a typical size of between 0.15 and 0.3angstroms. This significant change in size does not change the shape ofthe titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide of the present inventionprovides an additional benefit—sun protection. The titanium dioxide ofthe present invention may provide a SPF of 18–24.

The synthetic wax acts in concert with the micronized titanium dioxideto produce a thin and exceedingly uniform film of platelets on thesurface of the skin. This film is water-resistant and resists forceswhich would cause makeup that is known in the art to rub off. That is,the film provides a wear-proof characteristic to the composition. Thisresistance to frictional forces which cause other makeup to rub off isdue in part to the thinness of the film. Since the particles are veryclose to, or in direct contact with, the skin the composition has anincreased tendency to resist removal.

The wax/titanium dioxide film may be set by a volatile silicone, such ascyclomethicone. This further serves to increase the wear time of thecomposition.

The formation of the composition according to one embodiment of thepresent invention is a multi-step process that may be performed at roomtemperature. Distinct water and oil phases are first prepared andindividually mixed. The water phase may include water, an electrolyte,panthenol, di propylene glycol and preservatives. The oil phase mayinclude: tocopheryl acetate; retinyl palmitate; the cyclomethicone anddimethicone copolyol compound; the polygleycery-4 oleate and peg-8propylene glycol cocoate compound; the quaternium-18 hectorite,cyclomethicone and propylene carbonate compound; the titanium dioxidecompound; synthetic wax; and cyclomethicone. It should be noted thatsome of the composition constituents noted as optional have beenincluded in this description of the formation of the composition. Thisis for ease of explanation purposes only.

The water phase should be mixed until uniform; the oil phase may bemixed until just blended. A third phase, termed the pigmented phase forease of explanation, is then added to the oil phase and mixed until thepigmented oil phase is uniform in texture and appearance. This mixingmay be performed by any means that is known in the art. The pigmentedphase may include talc, silica silylate, the metal oxides, andpreservatives.

The pigmented oil phase is then placed in the hopper of an apparatushaving propeller mixing blades, such as a colloid mill or hydroshear,and further blended or ground until a sample of the phase examinedbetween glass slides shows no color spots. The blending in oneembodiment of the present invention may be performed at a gap setting ofbetween 4 and 6 microns.

After the pigmented oil phase has achieved sufficient consistency asdescribed above, the water phase may be mixed with the pigmented oilphase. Such mixing must be performed by slowly adding the water phase tothe pigmented oil phase. In the lab, this is achieved by adding thewater on a drop-by-drop basis. When making the composition on a largerscale, the addition rate may be increased to a slow trickle. Forexample, approximately 1 kilogram per hour of the water phase may beadded to the oil phase when making a 500-kilogram batch of thecomposition. This combination of the pigmented oil and water phasesshould be performed with constant mixing. Due to the slow mixing of thetwo phases, this may take a significant amount of time to completelycombine the two phases. After the two phases have been combined intoone, the combination is then mixed and run 1 pass through the colloidmill having a gap setting of between 4 and 6 microns.

The resulting composition according to one embodiment of the presentinvention is approximately 35–45% derived from the water phase, and55–65% derived from the pigmented oil phase. However, depending on thedesired characteristics of the composition, alternate embodiments mayhave percentage compositions that vary from this embodiment.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention. The presently disclosedembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description,and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalencyof the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

1. A sprayable system for applying a thin layer of particularizedcosmetic, the system comprising: a pressurized container; an actuator; apropellant; and a cosmetic composition consisting of: from about 5.0 to70.0 percent by weight water; from about 0.1 to 3.0 percent by weight ofan electrolyte; from about 1.0 to about 20.0 percent by weight of acyclomethicone and dimethicone copolyol compound; from about 0.5 toabout 10.0 percent by weight of a polyglyceryl-4 oleate and peg-8propylene glycol cocoate compound; from about 0.5 to about 10.0 percentby weight of a quaternium-18 hectorite, cyclomethicone, and propylenecarbonate compound; from about 1.0 to about 20.0 percent by weight of amicronized titanium dioxide containing compound; from about 0.1 to about5.0 percent by weight of synthetic wax; from about 0.5 to about 50percent by weight of cyclomethicone; from about 3.0 to about 20.0percent by weight of metal oxides; from about 0.0 to about 10.0 percentby weight of botanicals; from about 0.0 to about 5.0 percent by weightof panthenol; from about 0.0 to about 10.0 percent by weight ofdi-propylene glycol; from about 0.0 to about 5.0 percent by weight of acompound comprising a first vitamin; from about 0.0 to about 5.0 percentby weight of a compound comprising a second vitamin; from about 0.0 toabout 15.0 percent by weight of talc; from about 0.0 to about 3.0percent by weight of silica silyate; and preservatives in a quantitysufficient (QS) to produce 100 percent by weight of composition.
 2. Thesprayable system of claim 1 wherein said metal oxides comprise titaniumdioxide and iron oxides.
 3. The sprayable system of claim 1 wherein saidfirst vitamin comprises vitamin E.
 4. The sprayable system of claim 1wherein said first vitamin comprises vitamin A.